Thirty or forty years ago, it was not unusual for competitive colleges, universities and graduate schools to require all applicants to complete an interview with a staff member (or alumni volunteer).
Today, far fewer institutions mandate an interview, but a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word "interview", they may evaluate applicants after meeting with them. In fact, at some institutions, even current students who come into contact with applicants may formally or informally record their opinions of them.
You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.
1. Never indicate that a college or university is a back up choice. Institutions are far more likely to admit a student who is expected to enroll if admitted.
2. Do not express doubt about wanting to continue your education.
3. Dress well for all meetings with institutional representatives. If you think dress does not matter, you are wrong.
4. Research the institutions to which you are applying. Never ask a question about a college or university which you could have found an answer to in a few minutes on the institution's website; it will make you appear lazy and/or not very interested.
5. Do not say anything to a student tour guide, discussion leader or interviewer you would not say to the Dean of Admissions.
6. Send personalized thank you notes to the key people you meet. Take the time to write a good note; not merely a cookie cutter one.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. If possible, visit and interview with representatives of the institutions you are least interested in first. A little practice can help your performance with those which interest you most.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck.
Today, far fewer institutions mandate an interview, but a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word "interview", they may evaluate applicants after meeting with them. In fact, at some institutions, even current students who come into contact with applicants may formally or informally record their opinions of them.
You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.
1. Never indicate that a college or university is a back up choice. Institutions are far more likely to admit a student who is expected to enroll if admitted.
2. Do not express doubt about wanting to continue your education.
3. Dress well for all meetings with institutional representatives. If you think dress does not matter, you are wrong.
4. Research the institutions to which you are applying. Never ask a question about a college or university which you could have found an answer to in a few minutes on the institution's website; it will make you appear lazy and/or not very interested.
5. Do not say anything to a student tour guide, discussion leader or interviewer you would not say to the Dean of Admissions.
6. Send personalized thank you notes to the key people you meet. Take the time to write a good note; not merely a cookie cutter one.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. If possible, visit and interview with representatives of the institutions you are least interested in first. A little practice can help your performance with those which interest you most.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck.
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a veteran educator who has worked as a school counselor and a university dean. He also contributes to websites designed to help adults select
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